Hemsby man has worked in amusement arcades for 60 years

The Hemsby man, who turns 70 on Saturday, April 22, has worked in amusement arcades on the coast for a whopping 60 years.

"I don't know anybody else who's been doing it that long," he said.

"Sixty years is a long time. I've had a great life. I've seen the industry change over the years."

Terry De'ath, who celebrates his 70th birthday on April 22, wonders if he should be in the Guinness Book of Records for working in amusement arcades for 60 years. Photo: Sonya Duncan. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

In 1963, Mr De'ath, then only ten-years-old, got his first job among the fruit machines and claw cranes of Mrs A.A. Olley's arcade on Beach Road.

After leaving school he continued to work there under her son.

He enjoyed the work but his plan had always been to be his own boss and in 1982 he bought Las Vegas Amusements.

READ MORE: Helter-skelter slides back to Yarmouth after 40 years

"I was working 100 hours a week, 9am to 12pm everyday," he said. 

He had married Sally in 1974 and they had two children, Jason and Julian.

But the long hours meant he rarely got to see them, and when his sons had their own kids, Mr De'ath decided to sell Las Vegas, to have more time with his grandchildren.

Terry De'ath bought Crystal Palace Amusements, on Newport Road in Hemsby, in 1993. Photo: Sonya Duncan. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

By that time, he had bought another arcade, Crystal Palace Amusements, where he still works.

Over the years Mr De'ath has witnessed big changes.

READ MORE: 15 sights from Norfolk in the 1960s that will make you feel nostalgic

"The prices of machines has gone crazy. You used to be able get a six-player pusher for under £1,000. Now they go for £20,000," he said.

"I wouldn't like to be coming into the industry now."

Over six decades working in amusement arcades, Hemsby man Terry De'ath has seen some big changes in the industry. Photo: Sonya Duncan. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

He also remembers the "great days of video games", the late 1970s, when people would queue up to play Space Invaders.

"It was unbelievable. But things have changed because the kids play games on their laptops and mobile phones. The internet has taken over."

Still, Mr De'ath has no plans to retire. "I'll keep going as long as I'm able," he said.

Is Terry the country's longest-serving amusement arcade man? Do you know anybody who has worked for longer in such a venue? If so, contact daniel.hickey@newsquest.co.uk